As part of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), a ministerial meeting of the SPECA member countries was held on 8 April at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The event was attended by the delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Khodjamyrat Geldimyradov, high-ranking UN representatives, including Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe Tatyana Molchan and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Alisjahbana (online participation), and delegations of the SPECA member countries.

The agenda included a special focus on the implementation of key strategic documents adopted within the framework of SPECA, including: the Ashgabat Initiative on Reducing Barriers to Trade and Transport Using UN International Legal Instruments; Roadmap for digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor using legal instruments and UN standards; SPECA Development Concept until 2030, as well as other initiatives.

The participants considered a wide range of issues, including the development of export potential and the participation of the region's countries in global supply chains, infrastructure connectivity between Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe; energy connectivity and the development of alternative energy; attracting investment in the transport and logistics sector, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

On Wednesday, April 9, the delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the 71st session of the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The session brought together representatives of member states, international organizations and UN structures to discuss current issues in the field of sustainable development, digital transformation, green economy, trade and transport within the European region and beyond.

Particular attention was paid to the digitalization of trade and transport processes, improving regional connectivity, supporting climate-resilient infrastructure and deepening interregional partnerships.

The event was attended by Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Tatyana Valovaya. She emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The delegation of Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with the UNECE and its commitment to active participation in initiatives implemented by UN organizations aimed at developing a sustainable, inclusive and balanced economy in the region.

ORIENT